Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, If I Could Build… | Throwback Vibez

In the 80th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “If I Could Build My Whole World Around You” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 80^th edition of Throwback Vibez ️ (2025), we recollect and reflect on “If I Could Build My Whole World Around You” performed by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell.

“Oh, if I could build my whole world around you, darling / First, I’d put heaven by your side.” Marvin Gaye (1939 – 1984) and Tammi Terrell (1945 – 1970) made a formidable team.  Tragically, Terrell succumbed to brain cancer at just 24 years old.  Still, while she was alive, she and Marvin had undeniable chemistry and recorded sensational duets, including “If I Could Build My Whole World Around You”. “If I Could Build My Whole World Around You” is the third track from the duo’s beloved, gold-certified album, United. Harvey Fuqua, Johnny Bristol, and Vernon Bullock wrote it. Bristol and Fuqua produced it. “If I Could Build My Whole World Around You” impacted the pop charts, peaking at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

The musical arrangement and production are outstanding! “If I Could Build My Whole World Around You” features sickening drumming, a robust bass line, bluesy piano, fabulous rhythmic guitar riffs, and tasty vibraphone.  The first voice heard is the exuberant pipes of Gaye, who sings in a dedicated fashion to his musical partner (lyrics excerpted above). Tammi Terrell delivers assertive, soulful vocals in the second verse:

“If I could build my whole world around you

I’d make your eyes the morning sun

I’d put so much love where there is sorrow

I’d put joy where there’s never been none.”

I love the duo’s chemistry on the “Doo doo doo doo doo” in the bridge. A great key change, and bluesy, gospel-tinged piano enters the mix in the final verse. Here, Gaye and Terrell trade lines. Both hold their own and sound phenomenal when singing together. “If I could build my whole world around you,” Gaye sings, with Terrell responding, “If I could build my whole world around ya.” Fittingly, they join forces on  “And that would be all right, oh yeah.” Ultimately, “If I Could Build My Whole World Around You” is an unforgettable classic from a short-lived but vibrant duo.

Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell // United // Motown // 1967

Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, If I Could Build My Whole World Around You: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 80 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Motown; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]